Fiction Books

On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 820 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Don't wait for the muse...show up every day 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I don't even read Stephen King books. I don't like horror books as I have nightmares - but I know Stephen is a writing legend so this book was fantastic to read.

He writes in that "real person" way that makes you feel he is not some writing super-hero that just creates a bestseller out of nothing. He is to the point in his advice, but behind it is his story. How he and Tammy came from nothing, how his drug use crushed him, and how his accident changed the way he sees the world. He knows the power of story.

Some top pieces of advice from the book:

- Close your door and make a serious commitment to write. Don't wait for the muse to come. Show up every day and "sooner or later, he'll start showing up, chomping his cigar and making his magic"

- Write what you love to read. Don't write in a genre to make money.

- If you don't have time to read, you don't have time to write.

- He writes by finding some characters and then putting them in a situation. They often surprise him by what happens.

- Write your first full draft with no input. Then let it rest for 6 weeks or so "like bread dough between kneadings". You will find it much easier to kill your darlings after a rest

- Revise for length. 2nd draft = 1st draft - 10%

- "Do you need someone to make you a paper badge with the word "Writer" on it before you can believe you are one? God, I hope not."

Great book!

Editorial Review:

"If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write."

Here is Stephen King's master class on his craft.

On Writing begins with a mesmerizing account of King's childhood and his early focus on writing to tell a story. A series of vivid memories from adolescence, college, and the struggling years that led up to his first novel, Carrie, offer a fresh and often funny perspective on the formation of a writer.

King then turns to the tools of his trade, examining crucial aspects of the wriiter's art and life, offering practical and inspiring advice on everything from plot and character development to work habits and rejection.

King was in the middle of writing this book when he was nearly killed in a widely reported accident. On Writing culminates with a profoundly moving account of how his need to write spurred him toward recovery, and brought him back to his life.

Plot & Structure: (Techniques And Exercises For Crafting A Plot That Grips Readers From Start To Finish) (Write Great Fiction)

James Scott Bell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 75 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Plot & Structure 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

James Scott Bell continues to make learning the craft interesting and worthwhile. A must have for all writers, new and old!
Revisions & Self -Editing is of the same quality. I find that even though I have read it I go back to them.

I only wish he would come out with more writing books!

Editorial Review:

The second book in the Write Great Fiction series, Plot and Structure offers clear and concise information on creating a believable and engaging plot that readers can't resist. Written by award-winning thriller and suspense author James Scott Bell, this handy instruction guide provides: Easy-to-understand techniques on every aspect of plotting and structure, from brainstorming story ideas to building scenes, and from using subplots to crafting knock-out endings; Engaging exercises, perfect for writers at any level and at any stage in their novel; Practical and encouraging guidance from one of the most respected writers publishing today; Full of diagrams, plot brainstormers, and examples from popular novels, mastering plot and structure has never been so simple.

2009 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market (Novel and Short Story Writer's Market)

Editors of Writers Digest Books

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Really Helpful 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 10 people found this review helpful.

This book is a must have for an emerging writer who is trying to get his work out there. This book eliminates the problem of figuring out where to get started. After your story is complete, search the detailed listings to submit to journals and magazines that would be a good match. I wouldn't have known how to go about becoming a writer if it wasn't for this excellent book.

Editorial Review:

For 28 years, Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market has been the only resource of its kind exclusively for fiction writers. Covering all genres from romance to mystery to horror and more, this resource helps writers prepare their submissions and sell their work. This must-have guide includes listings for over 1,300 book publishers, magazines, literary agents, writing contests and conferences, each containing current contact information, editorial needs, schedules and guidelines that save writers time and take the guesswork out of the submission process.

With more than 100 pages of listings for literary journals alone and another 100 pages of book publishers, plus special sections dedicated to the genres of romance, mystery/thriller, speculative fiction, and comics/graphic novels, the 2009 edition for this essential resource is every writer's key to successfully selling their fiction.

Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting Dynamic Characters and Effective Viewpoints (Write Great Fiction)

Nancy Kress

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Another Solid Entry in the "Write Great Fiction" Series.....But.... 3 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This book is a good resource for looking at how characters, the emotions they portray and in what viewpoint (first person, third person omniscient, third person limited, etc) to use, and it certainly complements the other books quite nicely. I have read all of the "WGF" books save for the one on revision and see them all as a great investment.

For this particular book, Nancy Kress does do a good job of exploring each element in detail. Like the other books, it is largely an overview of each concept, and, like the other books, she does hit on some similar aspects that the other books cover more extensively (how could she not? All aspects work together to create a work of fiction.)

My main problem with the book is that when she gets to the section where she delves deeply into first person, at one point at least she goes into a small rabbit trail about why some readers don't like and will never read first person. Apparently they're willing to read books but not willing to suspend their disbelief that the character narrating the work was an active participant. It makes absolutely no sense to me but I am not going to judge these people. My problem with this is that she goes a little bit longer talking about this than what the situation merits, spending at least a page or two on the subject, yet she says NOTHING of authors who write their books in the present tense, even though this style is easily as equally jarring and disengaging as first person, actually more so in my opinion. Why she ignores the pitfalls of writing in present tense yet shows the pitfalls of first person, second person, third person, first person plural, third person plural, multiple first person, multiple third person, hybrid, (and there's more but you get the point,) is beyond me.

All in all a good book and I would recommend it.

Editorial Review:

The indispensable Write Great Fiction series continues with an in-depth look at three of the most important tools in the writer's craft: character, emotion and viewpoint. With the tips and techniques in this book, readers will learn how to:

-Create compelling characters that readers believe in -Write scenes that deliver an unforgettable emotional impact -Distinguish among the many different kinds of viewpoint, and choose the one which is right for their story

Each chapter is filled with examples drawn from the work of successful writers and action-and- results exercises that help readers take their lessons to the keyboard.

No Plot? No Problem!: A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days

Chris Baty

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 87 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Chris Baty, motivator extraordinaire and instigator of a wildly successful writing revolution, spells out the secrets of writing—and finishing—a novel. Every fall, thousands of people sign up for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which Baty founded, determined to (a) write that novel or (b) finish that novel in—kid you not—30 days. Now Baty puts pen to paper himself to share the secrets of success. With week-specific overviews, pep "talks," and essential survival tips for today's word warriors, this results-oriented, quick-fix strategy is perfect for people who want to nurture their inner artist and then hit print! Anecdotes and success stories from NaNoWriMo winners will inspire writers from the heralding you-can-do-it trumpet blasts of day one to the champagne toasts of day thirty. Whether it's a resource for those taking part in the official NaNo WriMo event, or a stand-alone handbook for writing to come, No Plot? No Problem! is the ultimate guide for would-be writers (or those with writer's block) to cultivate their creative selves.

Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly

Gail Carson Levine

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 33 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The essentials of writing in one little book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Frankly, I bought this book with some doubt in my mind. While I do think Mrs. Levine is a great author, I also think there are other great authors and why should she be the one to promote a writing book out of everyone else?

And then I think of all those charming fairy tale twists she's made and the fluency of her writing. And I also think about just how useful this book is--to everyone.

That's another thing that caught me off-guard. I was half-expecting this to be for the young set of writers only. While it does seem to be written to them, the advice is practical and timeless and heck if she did not inspire the reader to make the writing more and more professional, even towards publishing, as the book went on.

Levine examines and discusses every big part of the creative writing process in a simple and straight-forward manner. She uses a huge selection of various writing activities as well as plenty of wonderful examples of great writing from other books(not just hers!) to show and help the blossoming author.

I also hope to one day publish a story. This is good for me. Some day I would like to teach older grades when I can teach writing. This is for me. I guess I'm thinking this is a book that can be useful for pretty much anyone distantly connected with writing.

Excellent, excellent piece with great advice.

Editorial Review:

In Writing Magic, Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine shares her secrets of great writing. She shows how you, too, can get terrific ideas for stories, invent great beginnings and endings, write sparkling dialogue, develop memorable characters—and much, much more. She advises you about what to do when you feel stuck—and how to use helpful criticism. Best of all, she offers writing exercises that will set your imagination on fire.

With humor, honesty, and wisdom, Gail Carson Levine shows you that you, too, can make magic with your writing.

How to Write a Damn Good Novel: A Step-by-Step No Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytelling (How to Write a Damn Good Novel)

James N. Frey

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 89 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

It's like taking a writing course 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I really want to write a novel, but of course I am not a writer at all. Therefore, I started searching for a book that could provide me with a little orientation on how to start writing a novel, and I decided to purchase this book. It was the BEST decision I could have made. I did not get just a little orientation. This book is like actually being enrolled into a creative writing course. It is very well written and very easy to understand. I actually feel like taking a writing class, and I am sure that my first book will not be as bad as I thought it would be now that I know the basic elements a good novel should have.

Editorial Review:

Written in a clear, crisp, accessible style, this book is perfect for beginners as well as professional writers who need a crash course in the down-to-earth basics of storytelling. Talent and inspiration can't be taught, but Frey does provide scores of helpful suggestions and sensible rules and principles.

An international bestseller, How to Write a Damn Good Novel will enable all writers to face that intimidating first page, keep them on track when they falter, and help them recognize, analyze, and correct the problems in their own work.

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print

Renni Browne, Dave King

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 112 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A Summary By the Authors Themselves... 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This is a verbatim handout in a clinic the authors taught in 1990 in New York. Each item on the following self-editing checklist is a deal-breaker for your blockbuster. Your manuscript likely has many of them. Buy this essential book; understand what the checklist items refer to, and start self-editing.

1) SHOW(ing) AND TELL(ing): As you re-read your work, watch for places where you tell your readers about personality traits, situations, or emotions, rather than showing them through actions and events.

2) DIALOGUE DIRECTIVES: Watch like a hawk for places where you've explained your dialog. Watch for "ly" adverbs and verbs for speech other than "said." And rethink your paragraphing.

3) SEE HOW IT SOUNDS: Read a passage of dialogue, narration, or description aloud and listen for the unconscious changes.

4) EASY BEATS: Beware of including either beats that describe dialogue or so many beats that the dialogue is choppy.

5) INTERIOR MONOLOGUE: As with beats, make sure your interior monologue isn't obtrusive or actually an explanation in disguise. Also, dispense with stage directions whenever possible.

6) SOPHISTICATION: Watch for "as" and "-ing" constructions and change the sentences that don't actually require these constructions.

7) BREAKING UP IS EASY TO DO: Break up lengthy sections of narration or descriptions with frequent paragraphs, or with dialogue, or even with the occasional one or two line paragraph.

8) POINT OF VIEW: Watch for places where you change point of view in the middle of a scene. If the change is necessary, insert a linespace and start a new scene.

9) ONCE IS USUALLY ENOUGH: Look for places in which you've accomplished essentially the same thing twice. Decide which of the two is strongest and cut the weaker phrase, sentence, or entire scene.

10) VOICE: As you read over your work, highlight the passages that please you most. Then highlight the passages that displease you and work to turn the one into the other.

11) PROPORTION: As ou read, ask yourself what interests you the most. Then take a look at what's left and decide whether it's really needed.

12) CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONAND EXPOSITION: Don't describe your characters all at once. Let your readers meet them slowly, naturally.

13) DON'T LET THEM SEE YOU SWEAT: Beware of words like "very" and "rather," strings of adjectives, fancy imagery, overuse of italics, and exclamation points.

14) ELLIPSIS: Check your work for blow-by-blow descriptions and work to condense them.

Editorial Review:

Hundreds of books have been written on the art of writing. Here at last is a book by two professional editors to teach writers the techniques of the editing trade that turn promising manuscripts into published novels and short stories.

In this completely revised and updated second edition, Renni Browne and Dave King teach you, the writer, how to apply the editing techniques they have developed to your own work. Chapters on dialogue, exposition, point of view, interior monologue, and other techniques take you through the same processes an expert editor would go through to perfect your manuscript. Each point is illustrated with examples, many drawn from the hundreds of books Browne and King have edited.

Write Great Fiction - Dialogue (Write Great Fiction)

Gloria Kempton

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Surprisingly GREAT! 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I read the few reviews that were available on this book before I purchased it. That said, I wasn't expecting the dead-on, delightfully comedic, phychology behind every chapter written!! I found myself thinking '...who is this author and how does she know my every thought, my every fear and my every excuse to put off until tomorrow what I should have done last year.' I have taken one of her on-line writing classes and found it to be a non-productive experience (for myself). But she deserves 5 STARS--connecting very well with each of her students--via her own written word. I HIGHLY RECCOMMEND HER BOOK.

Editorial Review:

How do some writers craft conversation so authentic that it feels as if they've been eavesdropping? What's the secret behind getting characters to talk to each other? How can writers make their dialogue sing? Answers to all of these questions and more can be found in this in-depth look at this crucial component of fiction. Readers will learn how to create dialogue that sizzles, with tips on: Creating dialogue for specific genres; Bringing characters to life with revealing dialogue; Identifying and fixing common dialogue problems; Each chapter features numerous examples of successful dialogue drawn from best-selling novels and chapter-ending exercises help readers apply the lessons learned. This is one book that will get readers talking!

Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga and Graphic Novels

Scott Mccloud

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 36 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Scott McCloud tore down the wall between high and low culture in 1993 with Understanding Comics, a massive comic book about comics, linking the medium to such diverse fields as media theory, movie criticism, and web design. In Reinventing Comics, McCloud took this to the next level, charting twelve different revolutions in how comics are generated, read, and perceived today. Now, in Making Comics, McCloud focuses his analysis on the art form itself, exploring the creation of comics, from the broadest principles to the sharpest details (like how to accentuate a character's facial muscles in order to form the emotion of disgust rather than the emotion of surprise.) And he does all of it in his inimitable voice and through his cartoon stand–in narrator, mixing dry humor and legitimate instruction. McCloud shows his reader how to master the human condition through word and image in a brilliantly minimalistic way. Comic book devotees as well as the most uninitiated will marvel at this journey into a once–underappreciated art form.